How to avoid online shopping problems

Online shopping continues to grow in popularity, shoppers have to be increasingly aware of the various scams associated with the convenience of online purchases. Mistakes are always there and we sometimes do it out of our own consciousness. This is a fact and all we have to do is to become aware and find ways to avoid these next time.

12 online mistakes and ways to avoid them:

- Not checking whether you are on a secured website

Look at the address bar to see whether it says “https://”. Online stores should also have a little yellow lock meaning the website is encrypted.

- Checking for the “Verisign” approval

If you have never bought from a site before, the Verisign link will tell you if the site is verified as secure.

- Assuming your security software is protecting you

Frequently update your spyware, anti-virus, and ad ware software to keep it effective.

- Buying into deals that are just too tempting

If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. You are either being scammed for your money, or you are being sold counterfeit products.

- Paying for shipping

With so many “free shipping” options available, you shouldn’t have to pay for shipping for most items. In some cases you will pay more for shipping than the item itself costs.

- Not shopping around

Just because something seems like a good offer, it doesn’t mean it is the best offer you can get. Look at whether you are charged shipping and handling and taxes. Calculate the total price, and compare among different vendors.

- Not using coupons/discount codes

A simple Google search, or browsing Promotional Codes can save you money on whatever you are buying online.

- Using the same user names and passwords

There are an astonishing number of people who use the same user names and passwords for shopping accounts and online bank accounts. Use different log-in information for, ideally, all your accounts to protect yourself better from theft.

- Not checking for offline deals

Found a great online? Check with a local store how much the item costs there. Some stores will match competitor’s prices because this can save you shipping or will actually drop the price by 5-10% more than the competitor’s price. You don’t have to leave your house to do this, check your local retailers website or call the store.

- Not complaining

If there is something wrong with your order, always complain. Businesses want to keep a good reputation.

- Not checking the return policy

Look at the terms of service or FAQ for the return policy. Particularly look for who is responsible for shipping charges when returning and item, and whether you are issued a full refund or just a store-credit. A lot of large retailers who also have brick-and-mortar stores allow for returns in the store, some do not.

- Not reading the terms of service

Some stores only have fine print at the end of the check-out process, while others make you check a box declaring you agree with the ‘terms of service’. Don’t just check the box without reading it! As mentioned above, some retailers mention in their TOS that they may share or sell your personal information with others. It also explains how returns or refunds are handled and contains information about price-matching or shipping and delivery.

Although there are many who enjoy online shopping, there are others who have fears about online shopping and do not enjoy this type of shopping. If any shopping fraud occurred, be sure to report them to authorities that can help you deal with the problem.

With reference to: Ezine, PCworld, Promocodes, eHow